"Hansen has assembled an anthology like no other, which will fascinate students of late antiquity, folklorists, and curiosity-seekers, and will offer new possibilities to teachers of ancient-culture surveys." ―Classical World

" . . . lively, entertaining, and unique anthology . . . This anthology is appropriate not only for graduate and undergraduate students in classics but for anyone interested in the transmission of folklore." ―Journal of American Folklore

" . . . higly readable English translations of a wide variety of Greek texts . . . a solid introduction to the general question of 'popular literature' in the ancient world." ―Bryn Mawr Classical Review

" . . . what one hopes for in an anthology . . . this volume can be used as a textbook yet is of benefit for the scholar, has clear, well-written, and well-formed introductions that avoid eccentricity while noting different viewpoints, and provides a representative selection of mostly complete works." ―The Petronian Society Newsletter

Readers in ancient Greece didn't curl up with only the weighty tomes of Homer, Plato, and Sophocles―they also enjoyed light entertainment such as novels, short stories, fantasies, jokes, and fortune-telling handbooks. In fact, some of this literature was so successful that it remained in circulation into the Middle Ages. Most of these selections are little known except to scholars, but all will prove an unexpected delight to readers everywhere.

About the Author

William Hansen is professor of Classical Studies and of Folklore at Indiana University. He has published widely on early Greek epic, Greek mythology, and folklore. His books include Saxo Grammaticus and the Life of Hamlet (a study of the Hamlet legend) and Phlegon of Tralles' Book of Marvels (a study of popular literature).

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

We are PENNSYLVANIA'S LARGEST USED BOOKSTORE specializing in second-hand and out- of-print scholarly books in all fields! We offer the finest selection of art books between New York and Chicago. We invite you to email us with any questions or concerns about any of our books. We are always interested in buying academic libraries and are willing to travel to collect your books!!

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

The Midtown Scholar Bookstore, Inc.
3401 North Sixth Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17110, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

We guarantee the condition of every book as it is described on the Abebooks website. If you are dissatisfied with your purchase (Incorrect Book/Not as Described/Damaged) or if the order has not arrived, you may be eligible for a refund within 30 days of the estimated delivery date. If you have changed your mind about a book that you have ordered, please use the Ask bookseller a question link to contact us and our customer service team will typically respond within 2 business days.

Shipping Terms

* * * All books are packed with great care! * * * DOMESTIC SHIPPING OPTIONS for standard-sized books: USPS PRIORITY MAIL (takes business 3-7 days to arrive in the continental U.S.) - $9.00 for the 1st book and $6.00 for a 2nd book. ... BOOK RATE SHIPPING ("media mail", takes 1-4 weeks to arrive in the continental U.S.; please note that media mail delivery to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, APO/FPO addresses, and US territories can take 6-8 weeks) - $6.00 for the 1st book and $3.00 for each additional book. MEDIA MAIL BOOKS ARE TYPICALLY SEALED IN A HIGH-QUALITY PLASTIC BAG AND THEN PACKAGED IN A STRONG CARDBOARD BOX. Some extremely small, very light items receive a First-Class upgrade and may ship in a First-Class bubblewrap-lined mailer. ... AIRMAIL SHIPPING TO CANADA: Price varies based on rate. Please contact us for details. Oversized or heavy items may require additional postage.... OTHER INTERNATIONAL AIRMAIL SHIPPING: Shipping by DHL service whenever possible with typical delivery in 5-14 business days. Oversized or heavy items may require additional postage.... If your book is HEAVY or OVERSIZED, we will contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.